Mycotic Infections

Various types of fungi can cause infections both on the skin surface and in the internal organs of turtles.

They are generally of little significance and, in the case of surface lesions, for instance, where a piece of horny carapace has become detached and revealed an infection, are simple to treat.

The best way for the amateur to treat such infections is to use daily baths in a solution of potassium permanganate. The turtles are bathed in this solution, which must be made up fresh each time and should have a light violet color, for a 10- to 20-minute period every day over a week or more.

Another possible way to treat these infections is to paint the affected parts several times a day with an iodine-based antiseptic available from a vet.

During treatment for this problem, the animals must be kept dry and allowed into the water only for brief periods for feeding.